Today we will discuss how to oil paint thick over thin without solvents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the main reasons I hear people say they don\u2019t oil paint is because of solvent and medium toxicity. Is this a barrier for you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But what if I told you that you could oil paint without ever using solvents. It is possible: Rembrandt painted this way. And so can you. I\u2019ll teach you the secrets. So let\u2019s start with toning grounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead of solvent, use just a drop of walnut oil (I like M Graham) to make the paint glide easier over your painting ground. Using small amounts of oil will ensure you have strong paint layers. Using solvent thins the paint too much and can make paint layers brittle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Next, wipe off all the excess paint and oil. The result is a lightly stained ground. A ground is just your first paint layer, usually gesso or oil primer. So then how does one paint without mediums after that? The secret is in the paint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some oil paint is made with extra fillers that can make it very stiff. This makes it hard to mix and apply unless you lay it on extra thick. The key is to use paint with just oil and pigment as the ingredients. This will let you paint in thin layers without having to thin it with a medium. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two examples I like are Michael Harding and M Graham. Their paint is very soft and easy to mix and apply. It will enable you to paint in thin layers and slowly increase the thickness. But aren\u2019t they way more expensive?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, it is more expensive. But if you consider that it is only a few more dollars per tube than, say, Gamblin, it doesn\u2019t amount to much more because you are saving money by not using mediums while you paint. Still too expensive? Here\u2019s a tip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Try sticking to series 1 paints and earth colors. You can make an amazing landscape or portrait painting with yellow ochre, Prussian blue, and Venetian red. They are quality paints and dirt cheap compared to cadmium colors. Pun intended. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cadmium colors are nice for their opacity and high chroma but not always necessary and very expensive. And you have to be extra careful with them around kids and pets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So let\u2019s recap what we learned. You can easily tone painting grounds with a little walnut oil instead of solvent. And to paint thinly without mediums, consider investing in premium paint that only uses oil and pigment as ingredients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oil painting doesn\u2019t have to be complicated or toxic. With just a few simple materials you too can enjoy the buttery feel of oil paint on your brush. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do you paint solvent free? Comment below. Or ask me a question. I\u2019d love to help you on your painting journey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stop back tomorrow, and everyday, for more painting tips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stay inspired, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bry<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Today we will discuss how to oil paint thick over thin without solvents. One of the main reasons I hear people say they don\u2019t oil paint is because of solvent and medium toxicity. Is this a barrier for you? But what if I told you that you could oil paint without ever using solvents. It … <\/p>\n